Sink drain extension

ABSTRACT

A sink drain extension for allowing the use of the drain or for a connected disposal to disperse water or other liquids and solid waste material when the sink within which the disposal and drain are disposed is filled with a usable quantity of water or other liquid without commingling the waste material with the usable water or other liquid. The extension is formed from an upstanding hollow member having one end engaging the sink drain and a second free end. A stabilizing member connects with the drain engaging end of the hollow member to secure that end and the hollow member in a substantially fixed position with the drain and prevent relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain. Appropriate supporting elements are used to seal the drain opening with respect to the extension and to further restrain the tubular member from movement. A strainer may be employed with the extension, and an alternative location for the extension may be utilized along the sink periphery.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of mypending application Ser. No. 09/929,950 filed Aug. 15, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to sink drains and moreparticularly to an apparatus for utilizing the sink, the sink drain and,if present, the connected disposal, for the disposal of waste while aquantity of usable water or other liquid is contemporaneously containedin the sink.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Various kinds of sink drainer assemblies are well known and areusually associated with the operation of a disposal into which waste istransferred through the sink drain. Various features associated withsink drains are known to prevent debris carried by dispensed fluid fromclogging or jamming the faucet assembly.

[0006] When a disposal is involved so that there is not normally aconcern of separating a liquid from solid debris as is the case withdisposalless sinks, because the mixture of fluid and solid waste flowsthrough the sink drain and into the disposal for treatment. In thatoperation, it is not possible to use the sink in any other manner exceptfor the disposal of waste through the drain and disposal while thatoperation is ongoing. Thus the sink is otherwise immobilized for anyother use unless a separate isolated section of the sink or a secondportioned sink is available. Even in this case, a sink normally carriesonly one disposal so that the isolated sink portion has to be carefullyused to assure that no solid debris is passed into the drain which hasno disposal.

[0007] In many instances and for many reasons, there is often a desireto utilize the sink in some other manner even when the disposal isneeded. Unfortunately, the conventional procedure requires first the useof the disposal utilizing the entire sink and next utilizing the entiresink without the disposal for whatever other use is needed.

[0008] From the foregoing, it can be seen that there is a need for theability to utilize a disposal equipped sink in more than one waysimultaneously, and it is to that need that the present invention isdirected.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is a sink drain extension for introducing food andsolid debris into the sink drain while the sink retains a usablequantity of water or other liquid without the introduced debris engagingand spoiling the retained usable water or other liquid. The extensionincludes an upstanding substantial hollow member having a first sinkdrain engaging end and a second free end, the first sink drain engagingend having first and second perimeter edges to cooperatively engage astabilizing member having first and second cooperatively receivingopenings. The stabilizing member fixes the hollow member and preventsrelative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain in asealable fashion. The hollow member can be of a height less than thedepth of the sink so that water overflow is prevented in the event sinkwater flow is overlooked. The hollow member can also be adjustablevertically by the use of an extension member having securing means toaccommodate sinks of different depths. Appropriate sealing and securingelements are applied to make certain that a sealed drain occurs and thatthe hollow member is secured so as to prevent relative movement betweenthe member and the sink drain.

[0010] To aid in the disposal of solid and fluid debris, the free end ofthe hollow member can be flared outwardly so that introduction of wasteinto the hollow member is easily permitted.

[0011] The extension may be located along the periphery of the sink andaway from the regular sink drain and connected to the drain under thesink thus freeing the sink and regular drain for independent use.

[0012] From the forgoing, it is apparent that a primary objective of thepresent invention is to develop an apparatus for utilizing a sink andthe sink drain simultaneously to make the use of these fixtures moreefficiently.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a deviceof the type described that is simple in operation, uncomplicated indesign and construction, and relatively inexpensive.

[0014] A further objective of the present invention is to provide adevice of the type described which can be utilized on existing sinkswithout any modification or which can be provided as an accessory to anew sink to be installed.

[0015] Thus there has been outlined the more important features of theinvention in order that the detailed description that follows may bebetter understood and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features ofthe invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto. In that respect, beforeexplaining at least on embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its arrangement ofthe components set forth in the following description and illustrated inthe drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways.

[0016] It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting in any respect. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the concept upon which this disclosure is based mayreadily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methodsand systems for carrying out the several purposes of this development.It is important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentmethods and products resulting therefrom that do not depart from thespirit and scope of the present invention. The application is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredby its claims, nor to limit its scope in any way.

[0017] Thus, the objects of the invention set forth above, along withthe various features of novelty which characterize the invention, arenoted with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part ofthis disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, itsoperating advantages and the specific results obtained by its use,reference should be made to the following detailed specification takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters ofreference designate like parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a side elevational sectional view of an upstandingtubular member cooperatively received by the stabilizing membercommunicating with the drain of a sink;

[0019]FIG. 2 is top plan view of the stabilizing member shown in FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 2a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with thetubular and stabilizing members shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevational, sectional view of the stabilizingmember shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the stabilizing member;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the stabilizing member;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sealing gasket utilized to sealthe drain and communicating member;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the gasket shown in FIG. 6;

[0026]FIG. 7a is another embodiment of the gasket shown in FIG. 7;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a side elevational and perspective view of anotherembodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperatingstabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view ofanother embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperatingstabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0029]FIG. 9a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used with theembodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view ofanother embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperatingstabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0031]FIG. 10a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10;

[0032]FIG. 11 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view ofanother embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperatingstabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0033]FIG. 11a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 11;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a side elevational sectional and perspective view ofanother embodiment of the upstanding tubular member and a cooperatingstabilizing member for communication with the drain of the sink;

[0035]FIG. 12a is a top plan view of a strainer that may be used withthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12;

[0036]FIG. 13 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodimentof an upstanding tubular member positioned along the periphery of thesink and connecting beneath the sink with the drain;

[0037]FIG. 14 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodimentof an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizing structurefor communication with the drain of a sink;

[0038]FIG. 14a is a side elevational general outline view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 14 with the tubular member and supportingstructure in the lowest position for communicating with the drain of thesink;

[0039]FIG. 14b is a side elevational schematic view with tubular memberand supporting structure in the raised position;

[0040]FIG. 14c is a side elevational schematic and disassembled view ofthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 14a and 14 b;

[0041]FIG. 14d is a side elevational and schematic view of anothervariation of the present invention wherein the lower end of the tubularmember is threaded and cooperatively by a threaded sink drain;

[0042]FIG. 15 is a side elevational schematic view of another embodimentof an upstanding tubular member formed of accordion-like tubing with aselectively positionable free end and cooperating stabilizing structurefor communication with the drain of a sink; and

[0043]FIG. 16 is a side elevational schematic view of yet anotherembodiment of an upstanding tubular member and cooperating stabilizingstructure for communication with the drain of a sink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] The preferred and alternative embodiments illustrated herein arenot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseforms disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention, its application and itspractical use to thereby enable others skilled in the art to bestutilize the invention.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, anupstanding hollow member shown generally as lo has a first end 12 whichengages and communicates with the sink drain 14. A second end 16 is openand free so that a non-obstructive passageway 18 is created throughmember lo directly into drain 14. First and second perimeter edges 20,22 are formed in first end 12 and will be described in greater detailsubsequently.

[0046] A stabilizer 24 generally encircles end 12 and the connectingpart of hollow member 10 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Stabilizer 24 has an upper first circular opening 26 cooperativelyreceiving lower portion 28 of hollow member lo and a second loweropening 30 cooperatively receiving the hollow member first end firstperimeter edge 20. First cylindrical opening 26 may be of any convenientform with a preferred construction like that shown in FIG. 2. Secondcircular opening is formed by a plurality of segments 32 molded andshaped to resiliently engage the outer surface 34 of hollow member end12 each of which are provided with a hollow member engaging element 36which grips the outer surface of first circular opening 26 as best shownin FIG. 2.

[0047] A sealing element shown generally as 38 (FIGS. 6 and 7) engagessecond perimeter edge 22 in the manner shown in FIG. 1. Gasket 38 hasupper and lower portions 40, 42 which grip second perimeter edge 22 tohold gasket 38 in place, and an extending oppositely directed tab 44that cooperatively functions with upper and lower portions, 40, 42 toform a seal at drain 14 with first end 12 of hollow member 10.

[0048] Thus hollow member lo is held securely in position over drain 14by stabilizing member 24, the lower portion of which forms the firstcircular opening extended downwardly between end 12 and sink structure46 to tightly fix end 12 on member 10 in position and to enable gasket38 to form an appropriate seal. Engaging elements 36 secure member lowithin circular opening 26. The sink drain extension formed by member loand stabilizer 24 functions to permit the introduction of food and soliddebris into the sink drain or disposal while maintaining the sink in anotherwise usable condition by enabling the retention of a usableunaltered quantity of water. Thus a separate and perhaps more precisewashing activity can take place in the sink while the disposal is beingused to receive and move away fluid and solid debris simultaneously.

[0049] A removable strainer 35 can be positioned within drain 14 whichis configured with shoulders 37 to thus retain some solid debris withinthe sink trap while allowing fluid and finer debris to pass throughopenings 39 positioned therein. Strainer 35 can be removed by merelylifting upwardly and out of drain 14 when desired.

[0050] The height of tube lo can be slightly less than the height of thesink well so that the inadvertent introduction of a large quantity ofwater into the sink will overflow into end 16 of member 10 and passthrough chamber 18 into drain 4 without overflowing the sink.Additionally, the sink drain extension can be removed by gripping memberlo and urging it upwardly without immersing the operator's hand into theretained water.

[0051] Hollow member 10 can be of any suitable material and can becircular, funnel-shaped, oval, or any other shape in cross-section. Itcan be rigid or flexible and may be formed from plastic, metal or otherappropriate materials that will withstand a constant exposure to water.It can be straight or angled.

[0052] Stabilizer 14 can be formed of any resilient moldable materialhaving sufficient strength and durability to perform the gripping actionneeded to maintain member 16 in a proper sealed position.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, an upstandinghollow member shown generally as 48 communicates with a stabilizingassembly shown generally as 50, the base 52 of which sits in drain 14 toprovide a seal therefor. Member 48 is threaded along first end 54 sothat it can be rotated on threads 56 provided in member 55 to moveholding gasket 58 outwardly thus engaging the interior of drain 14 andholding upstanding member 48 and drain assembly 50 firmly in place.

[0054] Another alternative embodiment is shown generally as 123 in FIG.14 which includes a short drain engaging member 124 covering the sinkdrain 126. Member 124 extends slightly above the sink bottom 128 andcooperatively nests within an upstanding hollow member 130 to maintainmember 130 within the sink drain cavity. Members 124 and 130 can bepositively secured to each other by one or more screws 132, with cementor by the provision of a threaded or they may formed together as asingle piece connection. A flexible sleeve 134 is positioned aroundhollow member 130 and against drain engaging member 124.

[0055] An annular sleeve 136 is positioned around hollow member 130 andagainst flexible sleeve 134, and an outer tubular member 138 isthreadably connected to hollow member 130 so that when it rotates andmoves downwardly, it engages annular sleeve 136 which engages flexiblesleeve 134 compressing it to further enhance the sealing of the drain. Afinishing molding 140 may be added to dress and protect annular sleeve136. Flexible sleeve 134 can be of different sizes depending upon thesize of the sink drain.

[0056] Hollow member 130 can be vertically adjusted by the use of atubular insert 139. Insert 139 telescopically joins member 130 as shownin FIG. 14b. Tubular insert 139 has a plurality of adjustment steps 144formed along its length, and hollow member 130 has a plurality ofupwardly extending engaging fingers 146 each finger having a stepengaging protrusion 148 as shown in FIG. 14c. An adjusting ring 150telescopically and threadably engages the threaded top of hollow member130 to tighten the fingers 146 against tubular insert 139 withprotrusions 148 being selectively positioned within adjustment steps 144to achieve a more secure connection. To change the position of tubularinsert 139 with respect to hollow member 130, adjusting ring 150 isloosened and protrusions 148 move away from adjustment steps 144 so thattubular insert 139 can be moved to a different selected location.Tubular insert 139 can be flared at its upper end 142 for convenientaccess.

[0057] Another variation of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14din which a threaded hollow member bottom 152 is threadably received bythe threaded opening 154 of sink 128 and can be tightened so that seal156 closes opening 154 without additional members.

[0058] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a tubularmember 68 secured to a sink drain insert 64 is mounted within drain 14in a position to cooperatively receive gripping elements 62 mounted toinsert 64 that sits within drain 14. A plurality of apertures 66 permitsfluid and solid waste to pass on to the disposal or drain, andupstanding member 68 is held firmly in position with respect to member64 by the tension of gripping elements 62 as they are squeezed inwardlyto fit within the interior of tubular member 69. A strainer 65 may beutilized if desired.

[0059] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.10 with an upstanding member 70 threadably mounted on a stabilizingassembly 72 having spreadable components moved as a result of thethreaded connection 74 actuated when upstanding member 70 is rotated.Gripping members 76 move outwardly to grip the interior of the sinkdrain and hold the upstanding member 70 and stabilizing assembly 72 in asubstantially rigid position. Again, a strainer 75 may be utilized ifdesired.

[0060] Still another embodiment of the present invention is illustratedin FIG. 11 wherein an upstanding member 78 is threadably mated withextendable elements 80 carrying gripping elements 82 that move outwardlyagainst the interior of drain 14 when upstanding member 78 is rotated tohold upstanding member 78 and the stabilizing assembly made up ofelements 80 and 82 firmly in place. A strainer 81 may also be utilized.

[0061] A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 12 wherein an upstanding offset member 84 whose first end 86communicates with a sink drain insert 88 is threadably received by athreaded member go which is held rigidly within the interior of the sinkdrain. Apertures 92 connect the interior of sink drain insert 88 withthe sink drain for the passage of fluid and solid waste, and thethreaded connection shown generally as 94 between a segment 96 affixedto insert 88 and threaded member 90. Threaded connection 94 is inclinedso that rotating upstanding offset upstanding member 84 with respect tosegment 96 will cause gripping members 96, 98 to move outwardly andengage the interior of drain 14. An optimal strainer 97 is shown inFIGS. 12 and 12a.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the second free end 100 ofmember 84 is flared so that the disposal of liquid through member 84while the sink is being used for other matters in a sealed condition iseasier. Obviously flared end 100 of FIG. 12 can be utilized in all ofthe other embodiments of the present invention and any others arisingtherefrom.

[0063] A variation of a number of the embodiments described is shown inFIG. 15 wherein a length of somewhat flexible accordion shaped tubing144 has an annular member 146 providing a drain seal for the sink 150which is secured by a gasket 152 sealably engaging the wall 154 of sink150. Tubing length 144 is then shaped to follow the contour of the sinkbottom 155 and wall 154 and extend slightly above the sink rim 156. Ifit is desired that tubing length 144 function as an overflow device, itcan be formed to terminate below sink rim 156.

[0064] An additional feature of the present invention for a sink drainextension is shown in FIG. 13 wherein a hollow member 102 having flaredupper end 102 a is positioned within an opening in the periphery ledge103 of sink 104 rather than directly within the open portion 106 of sinkdrain 105. A lower connecting hollow member 108 communicates with thelower portion 110 of hollow member 102 beneath periphery ledge 103 ofsink 104 and extends downwardly into the plumbing system to anintersecting location 109 with the lower part of the drain underneaththe sink and just prior to engagement with a disposal (not shown). Athreaded nut 112 connects hollow member 108 with lower portion 110, anda gasket 114 seals the opening in periphery ledge 103 where it engageslower portion 110 of hollow member 102. Hose segments 116, 118 and 120connect drain conduit 122 with lower portion 110 as shown. Thus, thesink drain extension can be utilized simultaneously with the sink in amanner similar to the other embodiments extending directly into the sinkdrain opening of the sink.

[0065] A final embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 16wherein an upstanding hollow member 160 having a free end 162 and asink-engaging end shown generally as 164 seals the drain 166 to retain ausable fluid and allow waste to be exhausted simultaneously.Sink-engaging end 164 has an enlarged portion 168 provided either by atelescopically connected larger ring or short tube or formed integrallywith hollow member 160. The larger ring or tube has an extended rim 170about which is secured a flexible gasket 172 which functions to seal thedrain and frictionally maintain hollow member 160 within drain 166 whenhollow member 160 is urged against the sink drain.

[0066] With respect to the present inventive concept and the embodimentsdescribed, it is to be realized and has been shown that the techniquesinvolved in providing the drain extension set forth herein and thecomponents associated therewith are numerous. All equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed herein. The following isconsidered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, there is no intention to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation shown and described. All suitablemodifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appendedclaims are deemed within the present inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sink drain extension for introducing substancesinto the sink drain while the sink retains a usable quantity of watercomprising: an upstanding hollow member having a first sink drainengaging end and a second free end; a drain engaging member having afirst end covering the sink drain and a second end cooperatively nestingwithin the hollow member sink drain engaging end; an annular sleeveencircling the upstanding hollow member and engaging the sink drainalong the sink ledge; a flexible sleeve encircling and engaging thehollow member sink drain engaging end and contiguous with the drainengaging member first end; an outer tubular member engaging theupstanding hollow member and moveable with respect thereto to urge theannular sleeve against the flexible sleeve and sink drain to enhance theseal and support of the sink drain extension against the sink drain andhold the drain extension in a substantially fixed position:
 2. Theextension as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upstanding hollow memberfirst sink drain engaging end and the drain engaging member are fixedlysecured to each other.
 3. The extension as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe upstanding hollow member and the outer tubular member are securedone to the other.
 4. The extension as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising: a tubular insert connected with the hollow upstanding memberfree end.
 5. The extension as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:means for fixedly securing the hollow member sink engaging end to thedrain engaging member.
 6. The extension as claimed in claimed in claim 2wherein the upstanding hollow member and the outer tubular member arethreadably secured one to the other.
 7. The extension as claimed inclaim 2 further comprising: a tubular insert slidably connected with thehollow upstanding member free end.
 8. The extension as claimed in claim7 wherein the tubular insert has a plurality of adjustment steps formedtherein and the upstanding hollow member has a plurality of engagingfingers cooperatively engaging with the adjustment steps to secure thetubular insert to the hollow member.
 9. The extension as claimed inclaim 8 wherein the adjustment steps are a plurality of grooves formedin the tubular insert.
 10. The extension as claimed in claim 8 whereinthe engaging fingers are a plurality of upwardly extending membersformed in the hollow upstanding member free end.
 11. The extension asclaimed in claim 9 wherein the engaging fingers are a plurality ofupwardly extending members formed in the hollow upstanding member freeend.
 12. The extension as claimed in claim 8 further comprising: anadjusting ring cooperatively associated with the engaging fingers andthe adjustment steps to releasably secure the hollow member to thetubular insert.
 13. The extension as claimed in claim 7 wherein theadjustment ring engages the upstanding hollow member when the upstandingmember is connected to the tubular insert.
 14. The extension as claimedin claim 8 further comprising: an adjusting ring cooperativelyassociated with the engaging fingers and the adjustment steps toreleasably secure the hollow member to the tubular insert wherein theadjustment steps are a plurality of grooves formed in the tubular insertand the engaging fingers are a plurality of upwardly extending membersformed in the hollow upstanding member second free end.
 15. Theextension as claimed in claim 14 wherein the adjusting ring has athreaded interior surface and the hollow member has a threaded exteriorsurface in the second free end.
 16. The extension as claimed in claim 15wherein the adjusting ring is a ring encircling the location where thehollow upstanding member joins the tubular insert.
 17. The extension asclaimed in claim 16 wherein the adjustment steps and the engagingfingers are further secured to each other by the adjusting ringencircling the location where the adjusting steps meet the engagingfingers.